On September 30 Remember and Reflect on the Truth and Realities of Indigenous History
As Canada marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CUPE Ontario’s Indigenous Council is asking CUPE members and locals to learn about the historical and current realities of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people of Canada, participate in local Truth and Reconciliation events and download CUPE’s Truth and Reconciliation Bargaining Guide — https://cupe.ca/cupe-launches-truth-and-reconciliation-bargaining-guide — a resource for locals to support reconciliation and Indigenous workers by bargaining language in your collective agreements.
“Our union and our members can and should play an active role in reconciliation efforts,” said Leila Paugh, Chair of the Indigenous Council. “True reconciliation and healing can occur through all of our collective efforts to recognize and reflect on the realities of Indigenous history in Canada.”
Prior to the Federal Government legislating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30 was commonly known as Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 to honour the survivors of residential schools and those who never returned home.
“Orange Shirt Day is a sombre reminder of all the children that we’ve lost to residential schools,” continued Paugh. “It is also an active reminder to focus on what we need to do to build a brighter and better future for all our children – Every Child Matters.”
